Terrorism raids 'brought forward after leak'

Yesterday authorities said the paper published details of the raids before some of the arrests had taken place.

Julian Smith: AAP

The head of counter-terrorism with the New South Wales Police has revealed that yesterday's counter-terrorism raids in Melbourne were brought forward because The Australian newspaper had the story.

Five men have been accused of planning an armed attack on the Holsworthy Army barracks in Sydney.

Four of the suspects were arrested during dawn raids at 19 properties across Melbourne, involving hundreds of police.

Yesterday authorities criticised The Australian, saying it had published details of the raids before some of the arrests had taken place.

The newspaper denied this, saying the story only ran in its late edition - which was not available until after the raids.

Victorian police then revealed that negotiations had been taking place with the newspaper over the last week.

Police said that the editor agreed to hold-off on the story until yesterday, when the raids were set to take place.

But speaking on ABC local radio this morning, the New South Wales assistant police Commissioner, Peter Dein, said the operation was expedited because the Australian had the story.

"Yes it was pulled forward because of that and these things happen and we had no control over that," he said.

"I'm not sure exactly how long [The Australian] had it... I think it was a few days, but I was aware because of my involvement with the inter agency relationships.

"There was no set date...but certainly we needed to execute it yesterday because of certain knowledge of the media."

The AFP has released a statement saying a journalist from The Australian contacted them on July 30, claiming he had sensitive information about the joint counter-terrorism investigation.

"After consultation with the agencies involved in the investigation, the AFP requested The Australian newspaper delay the publication of the story until the investigation was ready to be resolved.

"The AFP immediately referred the breach of operational security to its Professional Standards area and an investigation was commenced on Friday the 31st of July 2009.

"Since that time the AFP has communicated with the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI), the Victoria Police Ethical Standards Unit, ASIO and the NSW Police to ensure a coordinated investigation of the security breach takes place."